Holiday Cheer: A Rewarding Investment During Tumultuous Times

And sadly, the holiday season isn't exempt from this. But here’s a little insight you might overlook: Holiday cheer might be a rewarding investment you may make this season.

This is not the kind of cheer that comes from overstuffed shopping carts or picture-perfect Instagram posts, but the heartfelt kind. This cheer shows up in laughter around the dinner table, handwritten cards, thoughtful gestures, and small but meaningful traditions. This kind of joy doesn’t depend on your budget, your job title, or the stock market, and it just might carry you (and the people you love) through whatever turbulence lies ahead.

Here’s why investing in genuine holiday cheer matters more than ever, and how to do it without stretching your wallet or breaking your sanity.

1. Joy Is Contagious (and Completely Free)

Even during tough times, small doses of joy may have an incredible ripple effect.

A warm greeting. A thoughtful message. A shared laugh. These aren’t just feel-good moments; they actually have real psychological and physical benefits. Research shows that acts of kindness, connection, and gratitude may help manage stress and anxiety, improve your mood and mental health, and may even boost your immune function and heart health.¹ You could strengthen your relationships and social bonds, which may have a positive impact on other parts of your life.

In other words, joy and kindness are scientifically considered to be good for us. And helpfully, they don’t have any financial cost.

2. Traditions May Anchor Us in Uncertain Times

Routines and rituals may be comforting, especially when life feels unpredictable. That’s why holiday traditions, even the simple ones, may carry so much emotional weight. Whether it’s baking cookies, watching the same holiday movie every year, singing songs, or lighting candles, these rituals may give us a sense of normalcy and grounding.

And traditions don’t need to be elaborate or expensive to be powerful. Try reading holiday books together as a family or hanging handmade or repurposed decorations. A gratitude jar for collecting thankful notes may help strengthen your connection with loved ones, while recreating favorite meals from your childhood may be comforting.

Focusing on the meaning behind your traditions rather than the material aspects may help you hold onto the joy, even if your budget looks different this year.

3. Connection Is a Long-Lasting Gift

In challenging times, human connection becomes even more essential. While economic pressures might limit gift-giving or travel plans, there are so many ways to stay close with the people who matter most. You might want to consider hosting a virtual family night or “distance dinner,” where you share a meal over a Zoom call or sending voice memos or handwritten letters to your loved ones. Closer to home, you might drop off cookies or holiday cards to your neighbors. And it's always nice to call someone you haven't talked to in a while.

These gestures cost little to nothing but create moments that may outlast anything bought in a store. When money is uncertain, meaningful time together may become the most valuable thing.

4. Simple Joys May Be Memorable

When we look back at past holidays, it’s probably not the price tags we remember. It’s more likely that we remember the feelings, the smells, the music, the conversations, and the moments of togetherness.

Consider low-cost ways to embrace the season, like sharing a cup of hot chocolate and stargazing or enjoying a family pajama day with games and popcorn. One fun tradition to consider is walking or driving to see neighborhood lights. You could get creative by crafting ornaments or snowflakes from household items. When expectations shift away from excess, it may make space for delight in the small things.

5. Intentional Giving May Feel Better Than Overspending

Many people feel pressured to overspend during the holidays, especially when financial fear is looming large. But studies consistently show that giving, not receiving, is what brings the most happiness.²

The key? Make it intentional, not impulsive. Set a budget you could stick to without stress. Focus on thoughtful, not flashy, gifts; create handmade presents, memory jars, or “coupon books” for acts of kindness. You may also offer your time or skills as a gift, like babysitting, tutoring, help with errands, or dog-walking.

When giving is tied to connection, not consumption, it may become more fulfilling and more affordable.

6. Gratitude Is a Game-Changer

Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good buzzword; it’s a mental reset button. During hard times, practicing gratitude may help you reframe your mindset and build emotional resilience.

A few ways to incorporate gratitude into your holiday season include starting or ending the day by listing three things you’re thankful for; sharing something you appreciate about each person at the dinner table; or keeping a visible gratitude jar or wall in your home. Write short thank-you notes or messages—even if they’re just texts. When you focus on what you do have, it may make the uncertainty feel a little less overwhelming.

7. You Set the Tone for the Season

You don’t need to pretend everything’s perfect. You don’t need to have it all figured out. But the attitude and energy you bring to the season may shape how your household (and your heart) experiences it.

Choose presence over perfection, patience over pressure, and calm over anxiety.

Especially if you’re raising children, remember: they’re watching how you respond to challenges. Modeling resilience, adaptability, and joy-in-simplicity may give them tools that could serve them for life.

8. Invest in What Fills You Up—Not What Drains You

With limited time, energy, and money, this is the perfect year to say no to traditions that feel burdensome and yes to the things that nourish you.

Ask yourself, what brings me contentment and happiness this time of year? What do I feel obligated to do that no longer serves me? What may I simplify or scale back?

Reclaiming your holiday on your own terms could be empowering and perhaps more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts: Holiday Cheer Is a Positive Return on Investment

During economic slowdowns and uncertain times, it’s easy to see every dollar spent as a risk. But the beauty of the holidays is that joy, connection, and gratitude don’t require a big financial investment. They just require heart, creativity, and intention. So light the candles, sing the songs, write the notes, bake the cookies, and call a friend.

Also, don’t forget to have a year-end review with your financial professional to make any adjustments needed for the upcoming year.